November 22, 2013 - Cause & Effect

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #326

“I am forever an Effect of God.”

What does it mean to be an Effect of God? We are all familiar with the "laws" of cause and effect. If something is a particular way, then the effect is such-and-such. In the world of Spirit, there is but one Cause, therefore the Effect is a reflection of the Cause. If we are said to be the image and likeness of the One, of divine Mind, then that perfection is inherent in each and every one of us. Once again, it's easy to get caught up in materialism and think we are many things which do not resemble the only Cause. That's why we say that this life and all it entails is an illusion. We have effectively made up a most wonderful world. As the idea of God, we are capable of much more than we know. But we cannot convince anyone other than ourselves that this is so. And that's the nice thing about Oneness! What I know, what I express, is given to the world. Therefore, there is no need to do anything other than live Truth. And how do we know what that is? We ask and listen. Namaste'.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 468:9-15

November 21, 2013 - What I See

"Reflections"
photo by Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #325

“All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

At a meeting where people speak freely about things of Spirit, one person related an interesting story. As a frequent traveler to India, he had often heard tales  of spirit guides, but had never experienced what others talked about. One day he stated firmly that he wanted to see his guide. And next thing he knew, a purple Ganesh came to him, appearing out of the wall. In his surprise, he rubbed his eyes and said something to the effect of, I don't believe it. When he looked back, it was gone. This story caused many things to run through my mind, but mainly this: If we ask for a higher experience -- a metaphysical event, if you will -- and then turn away from it, we effectively send it away. If everything we see is an idea, it can either be an idea from our mind or one from divine Mind. This is what we're learning to differentiate. Oh boy!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The universe reflects God. There is but one creator and one creation. This creation consists of the unfolding of spiritual ideas and their identities, which are embraced in the infinite Mind and forever reflected. These ideas range from the infinitesimal to infinity, and the highest ideas are the sons and daughters of God.”

Science & Health Page 502:24-32

November 20, 2013 - Listen & Follow

"Ready to Fly"
unknown photographer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #324

“I merely follow, for I would not lead.”

Many people are concerned about what to do with themselves upon retirement. Most of the people I know are concerned that they may end up working more than before, as there are so many good causes they want to support. Following the guidance of divine Mind never steers us wrong. This following may be difficult for people who are accustomed to weighing the pros and cons of situations before making decisions. What a perfect time to put into practice the reliance on inner knowing we've been learning! To quietly listen is a learned behavior. If you are used to being busy all the time, if your thoughts are constantly in motion, it can be quite a change to expect answers from silence. Start doing it now! Place thought on the question, then let it go, allowing your mind to be quiet. You may be surprised by the immediate results!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds. 

Science & Health Page 4:3-4 

November 19, 2013 - Leap of Faith?

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #323

"I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear"

Taking a leap of faith -- Isn't that an interesting phrase? I think it implies sacrificing fear and trusting inner Guidance. Even after years of practicing this type of reliance, it can be a bit daunting! Today I placed total trust in following what feels right. For quite some time, I've felt it was time for a shift of duties in the gallery I run; that I would be more effective behind the scene. Recently, a woman walked through our doors looking for a job, and I just "knew" she was the one I've been waiting for. She and another beautiful woman, who has been working for us more than a year, will be the two frontline people, greeting the public happily and effectively. Although I'll be there to help them on busy days, my main duties will be securing a niche in internet marketing and being a cheerleader for the artists we represent. I embrace this change with excitement and joy, relying on divine Mind to guide my every step!

SMary Baker Eddy quote:

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness. The loss of man's identity through the understanding which Science confers is impossible; and the notion of such a possibility is more absurd than to conclude that individual musical tones are lost in the origin of harmony."

Science & Health Page 216:30-5

November 18, 2013 -- Givin' It Up For Reality

Magazine Ad from Yesteryear

ACIM Workbook Lesson #322

“I can give up but what was never real.”

When you think of giving things up, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's giving up certain bad habits, or maybe foods that we deem to be bad for us, or perhaps things which are cluttering our life. Whatever comes to mind, rest assured it's not real! Often I think of this statement: It's not what enters the mouth which defiles us, but what comes out. But giving up negative thought and gossipy talk is also not real, given the definition we're working with today! Only that which is a manifestation of divine Mind, God, is real. So these things we give up are simply clearing the way for reality! This reality becomes apparent, but we know it's always been there, waiting to be revealed in the "twinkling of an eye" if we're truly willing to release what binds us. Let there be light!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.”

Science and Health Page 266:27–29

November 17, 2013 - Freedom in Self

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #321

“Father, my freedom is in You alone.”

I know any number of married people who exude happiness and delight in their relationships. It's a joy to be in their company! And so when I say that many of us are realizing freedom through the ability to live our lives any way we choose, setting aside age-old dictums of how we need to live, I most certainly am not saying these happily married couples should separate!  The freedom we speak of today is one which comes through the recognition of ourselves as a reflection of divine Love. In this realization there is no need for seeking validation or security in material circumstance. As I examine past life choices, I see that I've always been happier living alone than I was sharing a home with parents, spouses, or even children. Realizing that the one thing I have desired is to know God, and that this is not going to be facilitated by anyone other than my Self -- this, to me, is freedom! It's quite a delightful trip, this waiting with heart wide open to see what's coming next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Marriage should signify a union of hearts. Furthermore, the time cometh of which Jesus spake, when he declared that in the resurrection there should be no more marrying nor giving in marriage, but man would be as the angels. Then shall Soul rejoice in its own, in which passion has no part. Then white-robed purity will unite in one person masculine wisdom and feminine love, spiritual understanding and perpetual peace."

Science & Health 64:17-25

November 16, 2013 - Limitless Being

"Beaver Bridge"
photo by Mariellen Griffith

ACIM Workbook Lesson #320

“My Father gives all power unto me.”

"We must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being." (MBE) This quote and today's lesson topic bring to mind the self-help axiom, "fake it 'til you make it". Often we feel incapable of believing -- much less understanding -- that the reality of our being is limitless. We are capable of so much more than we realize! The word "power" has gotten a bad reputation because of various abuses of so-called power. But let's shed those notions and see the word as a wonderful, beautiful idea! If we must pretend that we are Love and nothing else, if we must fake it, let’s be certain that we will make it! It is something I will continue to do when I feel fear, or lack, or irritation with someone. My will and God's will are one and the same. I acknowledge that at every opportunity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."

Science & Health  Page 264:7-12

November 15, 2013 - No Arrogance in Truth

"Aaron at Sunrise"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #319

“I came for the salvation of the world.”

I love that this lesson tells us there is no arrogance in the realization that we are here for the salvation of the world! Perhaps we have it backwards. Maybe to think we can do everything through our own mortal thought is the height of arrogance. Perhaps true humility comes from the realization that we can do nothing on our own, but that we are capable of anything when allowing our true self to shine by the demonstration of what it means to be a child of God. By this humble yielding to our divine nature, we are admitting that what/who we are is indeed spiritual not material. From this point, there are no limits and we are free to live Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink.”

Science & Health Page 570:14-17

November 14, 2013 - We're All in This Together

"Joy in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #318

“In me salvation's means and end are one.”

We're all in this together. I've said this so many times in so many situations. It appears as though we all see things through different eyes. We seem to be satellites, rotating around something unseen, sometimes floating in unison, often bumping into each other and throwing our orbit out of sync! But we're all in this together. Let's leave out the "in": We're all this together. This togetherness sometimes manifests itself as groups of people who commingle for the joy of being with each other. We may have book clubs, and study groups, and sewing circles, and various groups of people who come together in communion. This fellowship has been sought-after since the beginning of time. Personally, I have no interest in being a part of any group simply to be with others. There must be a communication which surpasses the ordinary. I want stunning honesty, inspiring exchanges, Love shared. From this demonstrated Oneness with each other as reflections of God, salvation is realized as the means, the end, the Only.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

 "Knowing the Science of creation, in which all is Mind and its ideas, Jesus rebuked the material thought of his fellow-countrymen: 'Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?' How much more should we seek to apprehend the spiritual ideas of God, than to dwell on the objects of sense! To discern the rhythm of Spirit and to be holy, thought must be purely spiritual."

.Science & Health Page 509:28-5

November 13, 2013 - We Are Learning to Listen

created by Aaron Springston for Eureka Thyme

ACIM Workbook Lesson #317

“I follow in the way appointed me.”

So often we think the "still, small voice" will come to us through loud speakers. Only once have I heard an actual voice telling me what to do. Usually it's in the form of avenues opening up in unexpected ways, sometimes over and over until I notice. Through the years, I've learned to recognize the difference in material desire and spiritual guidance. The time I heard a voice, it said: Take the job! It was such a surprise that I looked over my should and said, What? Usually these guiding lights are more subtle, perhaps presenting something again and again until I pay attention.  We are learning, aren't we? Whether it feels too right to ignore, or it's something we wish we could ignore, I think we're finally waking up, don't you?

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“All the evidence of physical sense and all the knowledge obtained from physical sense must yield to Science, to the immortal truth of all things.”

Science & Health 493:6-8

November 12, 2013 - Give and it is Mine

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #316

“All gifts I give my brothers are my own.”

At times, these concepts are not only difficult to comprehend, but they may, at first, sound downright silly! Yesterday we pondered that everything anyone gives is mine; now we are to think that everything I give is mine, too. How can that be? This is one of the many proofs that this Oneness we speak of is actually a viable possibility! But thoughts like this cause our mortal mind, ego, to jump up and say that if this is true, evil can be spread to everyone, also. And if that is so, how can we keep from feeling doomed? But it's not true because the only thing that is One is what God created. God did not create anything unlike itSelf, so what we term "evil" is actually unreal, as it is only found in the mortal mind, never in divine Mind. And so there is a choice! I can live as though one or the other is true. As Einstein said, You can live as though everything is a miracle or as if nothing is. My choice is easy on this one!

“… that joy which finds one’s own in another’s good”

Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 127

November 11, 2013 - Pay it Forward

"Ozark Sunset & Bonfire"
photo by Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #315

“All gifts my brothers give belong to me.”

Every kind word spoken, every heart overflowing with Love, every freeing thought of forgiveness, enrich me and everyone in the world, whether we acknowledge it or not. There are many movements based on spreading love and kindness. One of my favorites was started by Charley Johnson in Utah and it's based on the book and movie, Pay it Forward. As part of his vision, there are bracelets which read Pay it Forward. When someone thanks you for a kindness you've done, you take off your bracelet and give it to them, asking them to do the same for someone else. Let me know about instances you've witnessed which scatter joy!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all, as Jesus showed with the loaves and the fishes,--Spirit, not matter, being the source of supply."

Science & Health Page 206:15-17

November 10, 2013 - A Future of Happiness and Love

"Eureka Memories"
photo by Vernon Tucker

ACIM Workbook Lesson #314

“I seek a future different from the past.”

History was my least favorite subject in school. I always questioned why I needed to know these things. Of course, people told me I must know this in order to benefit from the good things and not to repeat the bad. This never felt right and it still doesn't! Now that we're more fully realizing the possibility of living in an entirely new way through other-dimensional thought, my reluctance to read and study past events makes more sense to me than ever before. Understanding the nature of our Being negates the need to educate ourselves by way of past mistakes. Understanding of spiritual Truth, allows us to surpass what has been thought of as human limits. In giving up strong opinions, I am more able to ascertain spiritual perfection. I see a future of happiness and love. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The human mind, imbued with this spiritual understanding, becomes more elastic, is capable of greater endurance, escapes somewhat from itself, and requires less repose. A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.”

Science & Health Page 128:11-19

November 9, 2013 - New Perception

November Sunset
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #313

“Now let a new perception come to me.”

Recently a dear friend told a group of us about being terribly afraid of the dark. She said she had always been this way, to the point she had asked her husband to never leave her alone if it wasn't light. She told us that three days after he died, the fear she had always lived with left her. It was just gone! This story has stayed with me and come to mind often. What a beautiful demonstration of letting go! Just like that, in the blink of an eye, we can be past anything, no matter how long we have claimed it as a part of us. What gratitude I feel to this woman for sharing her story of shifting perception making a huge difference in experience! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The human mind will sometime rise above all material and physical sense, exchanging it for spiritual perception, and exchanging human concepts for the divine consciousness. Then man will recognize his God-given dominion and being."

Science & Health Page 531:10-14

November 8, 2013 - An Idea of Divine Mind

"First Day Skiing in Utah"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #312

“I see all things as I would have them be.”

When I tell people I want to give up the thoughts I think and think the thoughts of divine Mind, they often assume I want to be controlled by a cultish-type of group. But I think of it as the opposite. If I am making decisions based on past events and learned behaviors, then I have no freedom of thought. I am living by material restrictions and repeating thoughts dictated by human opinion. My desire to live as an idea of divine Mind opens me to an expansion of thought and action which has no limit. What an exciting world this is, when we release the restrictions dictated by past education and see our way to a deeper education, facilitated by divine Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The supposed existence of more than one mind was the basic error of idolatry. This error assumed the loss of spiritual power, the loss of the spiritual presence of Life as infinite Truth without an unlikeness, and the loss of Love as ever present and universal.

Science & Health Page 479:5-10

November 7, 2013 -Live Love

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #311

“I judge all things as I would have them be.”

As I read today's lesson -- which begins the first of ten lessons asking us, "What is the Last Judgment?" -- I think of ancient Toltec wisdom as shown to us by Miguel Ruiz in the Four Agreements. Two of these agreements lead perfectly to non-judgment: "Don't make assumptions" and "Don't take anything personally". These dictates are my constant companions. They always come to mind when I'm tempted to take offense by someone's statements or to apportion blame in any way. If I don't take anything personally, then I need make no assumptions as to others' motives. If I make no assumption about why someone says or does something, then I won't be thinking they are attacking me or anyone else. When we are living our true Being as a child of God, we can rest guiltless and blameless, with none of the dis-ease or inharmonious manifestations which result from living outside divine Principle. Let me live Love today and always!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"No final judgment awaits mortals, for the judgment-day of wisdom comes hourly and continually, even the judgment by which mortal man is divested of all material error. As for spiritual error, there is none."

Science & Health Page 291:28-32

November 6, 2013 - I Spend Today in Love

"Eureka Springs in the Woods"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #310

“In fearlessness and love I spend today.”

From the moment we stand up and toddle we hear, Be careful, don't fall!! We instill fear and worry in our children even before they're born, don't we? Most mothers-to-be are worried about a myriad of things, and have been taught to believe it's necessary. Everywhere we turn, there is something to fear. When I was a kid, the only things I was warned about in the woods were snakes, poison ivy, and perhaps an occasional wild carnivore. Now everything from ticks to the sun may attack us, and we go to great lengths to protect ourselves, putting poisons on our skin to avoid something we perceive to be worse. This is yet another example of the material illusions we have made for ourselves. Is there a way out of this? Yes! By living in fearlessness and Love we can realize Truth, which dispels illusions of dread. As I go through this day, I will notice what learned behaviors are ruling my life, holding me in fear rather than Love. The words of a great teacher come to mind: Perfect Love casts out fear! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.”

Science & Health  Page 261:4-7

November 5, 2013 - Fearlessly Look Within

ACIM Workbook Lesson #309

“I will not fear to look within today.”

Why would we fear to look within? Why would we fear seeing our true self? I think it's because we believe all the little horrible things we've done in our lives are what we'll be looking at. Perhaps we feel that to look within would involve some sort of life review which would require us to answer for every supposed sin we've committed. But what if we're looking within at our pure and perfect Self, as we are created by divine Mind? And what if, after we find what we've forgotten, we allow it to come forth and live with us? In the process, we truly forgive ourselves for all of it, allowing thought to stay on the good and the true, releasing guilt and fear, living only in Love. What if ...

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When speaking of God's children, not the children of men, Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you;" that is, Truth and Love reign in the real man, showing that man in God's image is unfallen and eternal."

 Science & Health Page 476:28-32

November 4, 2013 - The Gift of Now

"Fall in Eureka"
photo by Phyllis Poe

ACIM Workbook Lesson #308

"This instant is the only time there is."

A quote from "Kung Fu Panda" came to mind when I saw today's lesson subject: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” And I'm also reminded of something Deepak Chopra said: "Time is something we have made up so everything doesn't happen all at once." Albert Einstein showed us that time is relative. Time spent in a dentist chair passes differently from time spent visiting with a dear friend. Later in life, Mr. Einstein came to believe that time was not just relative, but unreal! Here is a quote from him, written in a letter to a friend: "To those of us who believe in physics, this separation between past, present, and future, is only an illusion, if a stubborn one." So why do we limit ourselves with time? We always think we're too young or too old, or this physical malady will pass with time, or that we simply don't have time to do the things we want to do. When I realize that I'm not a mortal living in what seems to be now, but an immortal living in eternity, then some major shifts in perception can take place. Only "time will tell" what happens with that realization!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for tomorrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment. What a glorious inheritance is given to us through the understanding of omnipresent Love! More we cannot ask: more we do not want: more we cannot have. This sweet assurance is the ‘Peace, be still’ to all human fears, to suffering of every sort”

Miscellaneous Writings Page 307

November 3, 2013 - No Conflicting Wishes

photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #307

“Conflicting wishes cannot be my will.”

So often, in the realm of the material world, we tend to have conflicting wishes concerning events. One of the main conflicts arises within the scope of what we think of as family problems. When someone within our immediate family has a problem, we tend to think of it as our own. We have been conditioned to think we can fix others, and if we don't try, we fear people will think we don't care. Then we're thrown into a quandary of feelings: love for our family, perhaps embarrassment over their actions, worry about what will happen to them, worry over what others will think -- the list can be endless when we begin to worry over the circumstances. But when we are able to release these feelings and see everyone as the spiritual creations they truly are, we begin to release our sense of personal responsibility while affirming their goodness as a reflection of divine Love. Before we know it, we're thinking of something wonderful about them when they come to our mind. And we're free from the conflicting wishes born of material senses.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We cannot serve two masters nor perceive divine Science with the material senses.”

Science and Health Page 167:11-12